Agenda item

The Leader of Council gave Members a comprehensive presentation on the above Plan, following which Members raised the following:-

·                   The Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015 set out a new Framework for partnership planning, including the establishment of statutory public services boards. The Public Services Board had produced a comprehensive evidenced- based Plan, which now needed to be translated into actions which would be meaningful for communities.

·                   Members acknowledged that the Plan was very ambitious and sought assurances that it was deliverable.  The Leader of Council advised that in his capacity as Chairman of the Public Services Board, he had challenged the Board to produce a Plan, which was in line with legislation, would improve the lives of residents and was achievable.

·                   Members questioned how the aspirations to impact on poverty would be measured.  Members were advised that the Board was preparing to use the accepted measure of % households below 60% of the median UK households income (after housing costs), alongside a range of other measures, as described on Page 65 of the meeting papers.

·                   In relation to the Integrated Impact Assessment, Members noted that some columns were blank and sought an assurance that, although the Assessment was not complete, it was acceptable to approve.  Council was advised that the Future Generations Commissioner had been involved throughout the development of the Plan and that the risk of challenge in approving it at this stage was low.

·                   Members welcomed the work of the Scrutiny Committee in scrutinising the Plan during the public consultation process.  

·                   Members asked whether there was a deadline for the approval of the Plan and were advised that this was early May 2018.  The Plan had already been approved by the other 3 Statutory Partners, however any comments made by Members could be forwarded to the PSB for consideration.  This was, however, a living document and would continue to be amended/updated and thereafter scrutinised by the relevant Scrutiny Committee and reported to Council.

RESOLVED:    That, having given due regard to the Integrated Impact Assessment contained in the circulated report, the “Neath Port Talbot Public Services Board Well-being Plan 2018-2023 – The Neath Port Talbot We Want”, be approved, subject to the Council being further consulted when the resource implications of the proposed activities are clearer, and that the points made by Members during debate be drawn to the attention of the Public Services Board.